Actress/Host Keke Palmer covers the latest issue of ESSENCE. In the feature, Sugar & Spice, Keke Palmer opens up about how she is making history, embracing adulthood and staying positive along the way.

Check out some interview snippets below.

On pushing boundaries and going beyond race:
“I know that the role of Cinderella is primarily for a Caucasian girl, but it didn’t stop me from going in and it didn’t stop them from seeing me. There is a bit of intimidation. You think about Denzel, Viola Davis, and you think, Only great people can do Broadway. That was the scariest thing about it, but I’m the type who thrives on pressure…”

Thriving under the pressure of Broadway:
“There is a bit of intimidation. You think about Denzel, Viola Davis, and you think, Only great people can do Broadway. That was the scariest thing about it, but I’m the type who thrives on pressure…”

On the single life and putting career first:
“I realized that I’m a lot freer of a spirit. That was the beginning of me standing up for myself. I would love to have somebody but this is such a great time in my life, in my career. I really am liking myself.”

On Cell Phone Hacking:
“People think they can just put their hands in everything and it’s like, No, no, no. The fact that so many celebrity pictures were out there and everybody is elating in the fact that they’re a Peeping Tom? You’re all Peeping Toms. Everybody that’s commenting. In real life, if anybody went to somebody’s house and looked at them naked, they would go to jail…”

On Relationships:
“What you’re ready for, you attract. So I think I have to do some introspection on why I’m attracted to people that can’t give me what I want…Maybe I’m not as ready for a serious thing as I think I am. The guys I end up getting involved with, they’re into the idea of me, but they really can’t handle what I’m about…”